How Norwegian tech companies are expanding globally

Technology that succeeds internationally is often the result of lengthy development processes, trial and error, and the need for funding at several stages.

'Norwegian technological breakthroughs require more than good ideas. They require perseverance, a willingness to invest and venture capital that enables further growth,' says our Guri Bjønnes Hotvedt.

Wheel.me and Auk are good examples of this. They operate in different markets and offer different solutions, but share the same experience: developing technology is a long, focused journey in which timing, perseverance and access to funding along the way can be crucial.

In a warehouse, a large box moves slowly across the floor, entirely on its own. From above, it looks like a traditional transport crate, but the wheel modules it stands on, developed by Norwegian company Wheel.me, have transformed it into a smart, autonomous robot.

'Developing a physical technology product is capital-intensive. It requires investment in hardware and software, including sensors, electronics and manufacturing,' says the CFO.

What began as an idea to make it easier to move heavy furniture using a mechanical wheel system has grown into a rapidly expanding international robotics company.

Wheel.me received a startup grant in its early stages and has since received both innovation loans backed by an EIF guarantee and grants for innovation contracts.

'Put simply, we can turn almost anything into a self-driving robot. Our main focus remains the same as when we started: eliminating manual, heavy work by enabling objects to move on their own,' says Andreassen.

At the heart of the solution are autonomous wheel modules that can be fitted to equipment the customer already has. Sensors map the surroundings and identify the most efficient route from A to B.

'This allows companies to automate internal transport in factories, warehouses and hospitals without costly modifications or new systems. This makes price one of Wheel.me's key competitive advantages,' he explains.

With around 50 employees, the company is headquartered in Oslo and has production facilities in Fredrikstad. Since late 2024, it has focused on building a global network of distribution partners. This has delivered clear results.

- Over the past 15 months, we have grown from around 10 to nearly 40 partners worldwide, and we have delivered more than 300 robots to customers across Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia. Our solution is now used around the world.

At the same time, Andreassen points out that the market has become more challenging in recent years.

- We operate in a market with high interest rates and more limited access to capital. The funding we have received from Innovation Norway has enabled us to maintain momentum in both development and scaling.

Another Norwegian company that has grown rapidly is Oslo-based Auk. They develop fully automated growing systems that enable you to grow fresh herbs and vegetables at home, all year round.

Founder and hobby grower Marius Aabel came up with the idea after trying various self-watering pots and LED lights with disappointing results. He wanted a growing system that was easy to use and looked good, while giving plants everything they need to thrive over time.

'We developed our first product around the time of the Covid pandemic, which was a challenging period in which to launch a business. Developing something completely new and untested was also difficult, and we had to go through several rounds of adjustments and improvements. Drawing on those experiences, we eventually developed a concept that worked well,' says Didrik Dimmen, co-founder and CEO.

The launch of its second product, Auk Mini, was a breakthrough and has made Auk one of Norway's fastest-growing start-ups. The company is now preparing to launch a new version: Auk Mini 2.

'It is a product with many new features, improvements and updates to both its design and ease of use,' says Dimmen.

Auk has received funding from us through several stages of its development.

'Our funding, first through a Startup grant and later through loans, has played an important role in our development. The growth guarantee scheme was crucial in securing the support of our bank during the growth phase,' says the founder.

The company, headquartered in Oslo, now has 23 employees.

The product is manufactured in Poland using recycled Norwegian aluminium, FSC-certified wood and European raw materials wherever possible.

- We are still at a stage where we are growing as quickly as we can and investing heavily in further development. At the same time, we are working towards profitability. Our goal is to become a global leader in our category.

Guri Bjønnes Hotvedt, EVP of Financing Services at Innovation Norway, is impressed by the progress and results achieved by the two tech companies.

- They are strong examples of how focused collaboration and the right funding at the right time can drive growth and international success. Norway needs more companies to venture into global markets, and we will help make that happen.

Bjønnes Hotvedt highlights the grants available for innovation projects through several of our services.

'In 2026, we have close to NOK 600 million available for innovation contracts, environmental technology, the bioeconomy and smart transport solutions. This gives businesses strong opportunities to reduce the financial risk of their innovation projects.'